Ages:

Grade Range:

Food Groups:

Activity Description

Preparation:

Write the heading Types of Parties at the top of the piece of chart paper

Prepare Invitation Outline chart

Write the heading Come to our party at the top of another piece of chart paper

Below the heading list the following sub-headings

For, When, Where, Time, What kind of party

Gather writing materials

Each student will need 1 pencil and 1 piece of lined paper with an area or box to illustrate a picture

Each student will need access to markers or crayons

Implementation:

Introduce the activity by asking the students if they have ever received an invitation to a party

Discuss the meaning of invitations as well as the importance of informing the reader

Have the students brainstorm different types of parties and record ideas in a list on the Types of Parties chart

Choose a party from the list to model writing an invitation

You may wish to have students vote for their favorite party

Brainstorm and record ideas for each sub-heading on the Invitation Outline chart

Introduce independent task

Explain that the students will write their own invitations using the Invitation Outline chart as a guide

Tell students that they may select a party type of their choice

Have the students draw an illustration on their invitations

Have students complete their invitations independently

Invite students to share their invitations

Adaptations For

English Language Learners/ESL:

- Allow student to illustrate a picture first and scribe the information for the student as he/she shares it orally- Pre-teach the term "invitation" and show the student a variety of formal invitations- Display a picture or symbol beside each sub-heading on the Invitation Outline chart

LD/Reading & Writing Difficulties:

- Scribe for the student so that the ideas are the focus- Allow the party invitation to be written using a typing program or speech-to-text software program- Provide the student with an individual copy of the Invitation Outline

Cultural Appropriateness & Diversity:

- Encourage students to share a variety of party types including cultural and family celebrations

Differentiated Instruction:

- Provide students with a variety of printed or store bought invitations for them to use as a reference

Related References

Activity Objective

The goal of Party Invitations: Motivating Students to Write Informatively is help students understand the structural features of a formal invitation and provide them with an opportunity to practice writing an informative text.

Materials Required:

What You Do

Teacher Role:

Direct instruction:- while discussing informative writingFacilitator:- while students brainstorm types of partiesModeling:- while demonstrating how to write an invitationConsultant:- while students write invitations

Student Grouping:

Whole class:- during introduction of activity, discussions, brainstorming session and modelingIndividual:- when students write invitation

Assessment Ideas:

- Record anecdotal comments on the first draft of their invitations and provide students with descriptive feedback and next steps
- Use a checklist or tracking sheet to assess students understanding of the structural features of a formal invitation as well as their ability to inform the audience

Quick Tips

Activity Extensions:

- Plan an event or class party and write formal invitations to parents and family members or other classes
- Model and discuss other types of informative texts
- Provide invitation writing materials at the writing center for further practice
- Have the students write a story or report about their chosen party

Additional Comments:

- Allowing students to choose a type of party for their invitations fosters a motivation for literacy and promotes differentiated instruction.
- Encouraging students to illustrate a picture that reflects the type of party adds a visual component to the task. Including an illustration as part of the writing activity allows students to show their understanding through a different medium.

Other Adaptations/Modifications:

- Provide a quiet workspace for students disturbed by sound
- Print a copy of the Invitation Outline using larger font for students who have a visual impairment